Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Van Wieringen.
Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began in February 2021, when I started creating luxury picnics on the side while still working my full time job. It was a creative outlet at first, somthing that brought me joy during a season when I knew I was ready for a change. Very quickly, though, those picnics took on a life of their own, and I found myself stepping away from my corporate role to pursue this work wholeheartedly.
I spent a year curating picnics, perfecting the details and learning what truly makes a moment feel special. Then came the turning point…I was asked to coordinate a wedding. I said yes, not realizing how much that one event would shift my entire path. The design, the logistics, the meaningful relationships, the problem-solving, the privilege of walking beside families on such an important day…it all clicked immediately.
Since 2022, Simply Soiree has grown into a full wedding and event planning business, and I haven’t looked back. I love what I do! I love the blend of creativity and strategy, the calm in the chaos, and the opportunity to male people feel cared for and celebrated! It’s been an unexpected journey in the best way and I’m grateful for every step that brought me here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge in my journey was starting the business with a partner and then eventually continuing on my own. Overnight, everything shifted. The vision, the rebrand, the direction of the company, the creative decisions. Suddenly it wasn’t a shared 50/50 anymore; it was 100% on me.
Stepping into that level of ownership was both exciting and intimidating. I had to really sit with the question: Who do I want this business to be? Dreaming, reshaping, and rebuilding the heart of Simply Soirée required a lot of clarity, courage, and intentionality. It meant carrying the full weight of the design, the planning, the client experience, knowing that the product I created began and ended with me.
That season of refocusing was scary while I was in it, but it ultimately became one of the most meaningful parts of my story. It pushed me to grow, to trust my instincts, and to build a business that truly reflects my heart and my vision. Looking back, it was a turning point that made Simply Soirée what it is today
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Simply Soiree?
Simply Soirée is a wedding and event planning company based in South Florida, specializing in events that feel elegant, intentional, and deeply personal. I offer full planning, partial planning, and month-of coordination, Simply Soiree is known for creating events that are beautifully designed and carefully organized, while still feeling warm and meaningful.
What truly sets Simply Soirée apart is the level of care behind every detail. I take time to understand each couple and family, their story, their style, what matters most to them, and then I build the day around those things. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely supported and understood throughout the process, which is something I’m really proud of.
Brand-wise, I love that Simply Soirée feels both high-end and approachable. It’s elevated, but never cold. My goal is for people to feel completely taken care of, confident that their vision is being brought to life with intention, heart, and excellence.
What I want readers to know is that when you work with Simply Soirée, you get more than a planner. You get someone who shows up fully, who values your story, and who is genuinely invested in making your event unforgettable.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I always joke that my biggest ‘resources’ are Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, but in all honesty, they really do spark so much of my creativity. I love discovering new design ideas, color palettes, layouts, and trends through social media. It keeps me inspired and gives me a constant stream of fresh perspectives that I can translate into my events.
Outside of that, I actually read a lot of fiction. It’s my way of unwinding and recharging. Stepping into a different world for a bit helps me return to my work with a clear mind and a more creative spirit. I may not be someone who lives on business podcasts or self-help books, but I’ve found that inspiration comes in many forms, and for me, it’s visual platforms, storytelling, and real-life experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplysoireefl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysoiree__/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplysoireeSF
Image Credits
@stephanietarnophoto
@annabelleainlayphoto
@sarahtwhohillphoto
